Choosing Paint Colors: Our Expert Guide

When you stare at your old, tired room and think about how to freshen it up without any hassle from a major renovation, look no further than repaint it. Depending on your chosen colors, your room can instantly be transformed into a brighter, cozier, or even more spacious space. However, choosing paint colors can be overwhelming with so many shades and finishes available, especially if you don’t know the factors that come into play and what kind of final look and feel you want to create. 

Don’t worry. Here, we’ll guide you in choosing paint colors that fit your preference and the factors you should consider when choosing one.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint Colors

Before choosing paint colors, it’ll be helpful to understand the basic psychological effects of color. The most popular ones are blue and green, which create a calming, peaceful environment, making them ideal for areas like bedrooms. In contrast, yellows and oranges bring energy and joy, perfect for social spaces like the kitchen and dining tables. Or, you can never go wrong with neutral shades like white, beige, and grey as they are very easy to blend with various designs and never go out of style. 

Lighting will also significantly impact how the paint looks. That’s why evaluating natural and artificial light sources is crucial. Daylight will reflect the color in its most authentic look, while artificial lighting alters the tone, like those coming from lamps. The type of lights you choose also plays a role; for example, fluorescent lights make colors sharper, while LED lights vary based on their warmth level. Simply put, test your paint sample on a small part of your walls and observe how they look at different times of day. 

The color you choose should also complement your space’s furniture, flooring, and decor. A well-coordinated color scheme looks soothing to the eye as it gives off a harmonious feel. If your room has bold furniture or statement pieces, give them the spotlight by adding neutral or muted wall colors. Alternatively, you can use richer shades to add more personality if your decor is minimal. Also, the texture and materials—wood tones, metal finishes, and textiles- all influence how color interacts with the space. 

 

Choosing Paint Colors for Different Rooms

Best Paint Colors for Living Rooms

The living room sets the tone for the rest of your home, so choosing paint colors that are right for it is a must in creating a welcoming and comfortable space. The most popular ones for a cozy atmosphere that allows flexibility with decor are warm neutrals like taupe, soft gray, or beige. As for making the room feel airy and relaxing, soft blues or greens are your go-to. On the other hand, your living room can also reflect your personality. To achieve that, consider bold colors, such as deep navy, rich emerald, or warm terracotta, which will make a focal point in your home. 

Best Paint Colors for Kitchens & Dining Areas

Moving on to the heart of every home, kitchen, and dining area. Choosing paint colors for these two will enhance not just the aesthetic but also the functionality. Crisp whites and soft grays are excellent for making your kitchen space look clean and modern while making it easier to navigate as the cabinets and countertops stand out effortlessly. Next, warm tones like yellow or terracotta are ideal for your dining area where family and friends gather because they stimulate conversation and appetite, perfect for shared meals and gatherings. 

Best Paint Colors for Bedrooms

According to sleep experts, blue, green, and white are the colors that help you sleep as they can make you feel comfortable and less stimulating for the brain. Using darker shades of the same colors, like navy blue or forest green, you can achieve a more dramatic and sophisticated feel while maintaining the effect it has on your sleep. However, these colors may be boring for a child’s room. Our tip is to use a soft, soothing palette like pastels or muted tones of your kid’s favorite color to bring a fun atmosphere without being too stimulating. 

Best Paint Colors for Bathrooms

Your bathroom is a space to have your ultimate ‘me-time.’ Hence, choosing paint colors that make it feel like a refreshing retreat after a long day can make a big difference in your life. To replicate the feeling you get each time you go to your favorite spa, colors like light blues, soft greens, and off-white are your best bet. These shades are commonly used in spas for a reason—they evoke a sense of calmness, cleanliness, and tranquility, transforming your bathroom into a personal oasis.

 

Tips for Testing and Finalizing Your Paint Choice

Before committing to a color, test the paint sample in your actual room. Paint small swatches directly on the wall or use large sample boards to see how the shade looks in different lighting conditions throughout the day. Keep in mind that colors can appear differently under different light sources and at various times. Alternatively, you can use digital tools and apps from the paint brands to visualize the colors in your room. You can also benefit from color-matching services to replicate a specific shade from a fabric, wallpaper, or artwork to ensure a cohesive look. 

Equally important to the color itself is the finish. Several finishes you should consider for bedrooms or living rooms are flat and matte, which offers a soft, modern look but is more challenging to clean, or eggshell and satin finishes that are durable but may look a little outdated.  Another finish you should consider for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom is an ideal semi-gloss or high-gloss finish; both are highly durable and easy to clean. 

Johnson’s Ace Hardware: Your Local Paint Experts

At Johnson’s Ace Hardware, we understand that choosing paint colors for your home is not as simple as going with your favorite color. It’s about balancing your style and your home’s unique characteristics to transform the space to your liking. That’s why we offer a wide selection of high-quality paint brands with their vast selection of colors to ensure you get the perfect one that suits you and your home personality. 

Not sure where to start? Our in-store specialists will guide you with personalized expert advice, helping you choose the one from different color palettes and finishes for the best result.  Visit Johnson’s Ace Hardware today.